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Archived Answers to Fan Questions | |
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René has been answering questions here on his website since 1998. On this page, you'll find questions and answers posted from November 2004 through March 2006. For questions and answers from October 2006 to the present, or to ask a question of your own, go to our "Ask René a Question" page.
Happy reading! A question from Kim: Dear Mr. Auberjonois, So Thank You!
Now onto the question. I noticed that one of your hobbies is photography. My U.S. History teacher (who is a woman who is only about 10 years older than me yet seems to have been everywhere) enjoys photography as well. The most interesting thing she does is what she calls Composite Photography in which she takes a lot of little pictures of the pieces of something and then puts all the photos together like a big puzzle. She has one on the wall in class of the Eiffel Tower. Have you ever tried this?
Dear Kim- Yes, photography is a real passion of mine. I am now doing most of my work on the computer. The only Composite Photography I've done is with regular 35mm film. You should ask your teacher if she's familiar with the photographic work of the artist David Hockney.
My best to you- Posted here March 6, 2006 A question from Jay: Hello Rene! Dear Jay- The whole cast (and crew) are a dream to work with. I stand in awe of James Spader's talent.
Best- Posted here March 6, 2006 A question from Molly: I'm 32 years old and have always wanted to become an actor. I did amateur stuff when I was in high school and have been on extra on a film that I think went straight to video. What sorts of advice do you have for an "older" girl like me wanting to become a movie or TV actor?
Also, do you plan on coming or have you ever been to Winnipeg?
Thanks!
Dear Molly- Never been to Winnipeg...would love to some day.
Good luck! Posted here March 6, 2006 A question from Leatha: When you do "live" theater, have you ever had difficulties with "stage-fright" nerves (felt very sorry for Lord Olivier and his inability to have any actor look him in the eyes while performing), or do you just breeze into the first act? Are you as superstitious as many? (Knock wood or whistling in dressing room ban?)
Dear Leatha- Best- Posted here March 6, 2006 A question from Karl: Is "Lazarus Laughed" available in any recorded form?
Dear Karl- Good luck, Posted here March 6, 2006 A question from Jenn: René, I grew up watching you on Benson and enjoyed Odo on DS9, both fine shows. Now I'm loving Boston Legal, but have only one quibble. Not enough René!
I've only seen flashes of the character Paul Lewiston can be. I loved the scene when you said you didn't see a junior partner as an sexual object. It came across as extremely sincere (and somewhat horrified, like that was the last thing he'd have expected to be accused of).
I hope Paul can get more scenes soon; I'd like to see him dealing with the youngest lawyers, for instance, if he actually doesn't try any cases routinely, focusing on administrative work instead.
Any episodes coming up where we can see more Paul Lewiston? He has to come out of his office sometime.
Dear Jenn- Best- Posted here January 17, 2006 A question from Tom R.: Hi there René, But i would like to ask you a question: did you cry when you finished Deep Space Nine? I cried when I finished my final performance of my Shakesperian play. i have a great appreciation for acting, i enjoy seeing how one person can split their character into a variety of different characters and yet still be the same person, also how people can show so much with such a minor movement, or word. For example, in a scene where Odo walks into Quark's and sees Quark doing his daily routine, Odo gives him a look to let him know that he is onto him, Odo always keeps a close eye on Quark. i hope to see you in any more shows that you participate in in the future.
Dear Tom- Take care- Posted here January 17, 2006 A question from Daisy: Hello. I'm a great fan of yours and you're a wonderful actor. I hope someday to see you at a Star Trek convention. Here's my question: I was wondering, what would you be doing if you hadn't gone into acting? Thanks for taking the time to read this.
Dear Daisy- Best- Posted here January 17, 2006 A question from Marsha: i am a big fan of janos audron and i am wondering where i can get a doll or something like it or a poster of him i also want a picture of kain and raziel and i would like very much for a address for a fan club so please help me with this okay? i have played and finished all the games and would like to know when the new one or if there is a new one coming out thank you very much. i was also wondering if they could or should make a movie or tv show of the soul reaver games that would be great. and a book too. that would be nice.
Dear Marsha- Sorry- Posted here January 17, 2006 A question from Tom M.: You might have heard this question before, but i have noticed although Odo and Quark are rivals, you and Armin are friends. Do you think your friendship with Armin affected the relationship between Odo and Armin, making it unique?
Many thanks, René.
Dear Tom- Thanks for your interest- Posted here January 17, 2006 A question from Kate: I read that you made a cameo appearance in the first-season West Wing episode "In Excelcis Deo" - is this true? And if so, where are you?! I couldn't spot you!
On a similar note, Armin Shimerman is credited for another West Wing episode - "Posse comitatus" from the third season. Do you know whether it is him on the stage in the play ("The Wars of the Roses") that is going on in the background during the final scenes? (And what is it with you two and West Wing episodes with Latin titles?!)
Thanks for reading this, and for contributing so generously to the site.
Dear Kate- All the best- Posted here January 17, 2006 A question from Elise: Dear Mr Auberjonois, Thank you for your great performance, and the kindness and intelligence you express.
Dear Elise- All the best- Posted here January 17, 2006 A question from Mr. Johnston: This will seem a curious request, but we are planning to celebrate the 75th anniversary of The Holden Arboretum next year and I am trying to convince the powers to be to do
something with The Dark Secret of Harvest Home which was partially filmed here.
I wondered if you had any recollections of the filming or if you could put us on the
track of where we might get a decent copy of the film in case I can convince them to
show it as part of the year long celebration.
Dear Mr. Johnston- All the best- Posted here January 17, 2006 A question from Anita: I love the idea of creating a histoical list of real people named Odo throughout history. I do want to know who thought up that name for your character.
Dear Anita- Best- Posted here January 17, 2006 A question from Rob: Dear Mr. Auberjonois, Unfortunately, the place has been dark for years. I just hope I live long enough to see someone reopen the place. Your IMDb.com bio says you were an apprentice. Did you ever have the chance to perform there? I'd love to hear any stories you'd care to tell...
Take care, sir. And, thank you for all the smiles you and Armin brought us.
Dear Rob- Thanks for rekindling fond memories. Best- Posted here August 22, 2005 A question from Raymond: Hi René, Yes, i'm a big fan, of startrek and in particular DS9, but i'll leave all that to the other people ;-)
I was wondering about one thing actualy: I recently saw an old Police Academy movie, with you, or at least, I think it was you, playing the bad guy. Here in Holland, they usually don't show the end-credits, so I couldn't verify who it was. Could you enlighten me?
Dear Raymond- All the best- Posted here August 22, 2005 A question from Chris: Dear René, Dear Chris- All the best- Posted here August 22, 2005 A question from David: Dear Mr. Auberjonois, It's actually The Last Unicorn that I am writing about. I understand that there is a live-action film in the works and you are reprising your role as the skeleton as well as taking the part if Captain Cully. My wife and I (she has been a fan of the story, since she was a little girl) are excited to see several of the voice actors from the old cartoon return to the live-action project.
Do you have any further information you can share about this project? Thank you.
Dear David- Thanks for your kind words. Posted here August 22, 2005 A question from Eric D, on behalf of Darryl D and Joey S: Please, please tell me you're going to get into more video game work. The dialogue and voice acting are pretty atrocious as far as artistic standards go.
I'm an avid gamer and I have been since the release of the original NES system in America. My brothers are all also avid gamers, more so than I am at any rate. My brother Darryl was the first one to come up with the Legacy of Kain series, and we absolutely love you. Your work, especially the hilarious outtakes they included, inspired us to think that, finally, video games would be considered artwork as much as film and stage is today.
Still, especially with recent events, we are concerned that this may be forever in the making. Obviously, there are a lot of games that require relatively little art, and that needs to change. The Legacy of Kain series was working art, a story that flowed, characters that had issues to deal with, and best of all convincing voices to back them up. We need true talent in games to finally have them recognized as a true art form.
Still, I suppose I need to ask questions rather than rant. Are you doing any other voice work for upcoming games and what do you think of games as an art form?
Dear Eric, Darryl and Joey- I couldn't agree more with your point about the need to have real actors do the voice work for games...if they're ever to be taken seriously as an art form. So don't write me (well yes, do!) but write to the company and make your voice heard.
All the best- Posted here August 22, 2005 A question from Robin: First I'd like to say that I think you're a great actor and it's really nice of you to participate in this forum. Hope you're still lovin' that computer, did you get an iPod yet? :)
I'd like to know if you have any tips on how to deal with stage fright and performance anxiety. I've suffered from severe stage fright since I was a child and have given up many opportunities due to my inablilty to perform in front of an audience. I was a music major, but couldn't graduate because I was unable to perform in front of an audience. (I got a Math degree instead. Whee, fun!). I've passed up television auditions because I would have to stop and throw up on my way there and then couldn't bring myself to go in. (I thought trying acting would help, jump in with both feet! and guess I wasn't too bad, I got an agent my first day out!). Needless to say, it didn't work.
Have you ever had to deal with this problem? Have you worked with anyone who had stage fright? What's a good way to deal with it?
Dear Robin- It's not uncommon for people to feel sick to their stomachs and even throw up before performing.
There's really no "cure"...you just have to decide if it's worth going through the "agony" for the "ecstasy".
Just remember to BREATHE.
If that doesn't help...well perhaps your body is trying to tell you that performing isn't for you.
Good luck- Posted here August 22, 2005 A question from Leatha: It's been wonderful, over the years, to see your great performances....do you enjoy doing "unusual" characters....and do you like doing comedy or drama?
Dear Leatha- As for a comedy or drama preference...nope...I just like to act.
Best- Posted here August 22, 2005 A question from Christina: A few years ago I went to the Air and Space Museum at the Smithsonian Institute and stumbled across the Enterprise model (which was in the basement gift shop). Any idea what happened to that other marvel of movie technology, The Big Bus? I'd love to see it! I really hope it hasn't been compacted.
Christina- Best- Posted here August 22, 2005 A question from Neil: Dear Mr. A, Dear Neil- Thanks for your interest, Posted here April 12, 2005 A question from George: Dear Mr. Auberjonois, Dear George- rené a. Posted here April 12, 2005 A question from Mike: Hello sir---thanx for making me laugh & for making sit on the edge of my seat (from Benson to Trek)...my two questions would be:
(a) your very name and stature in some appearnaces make me think of you as "aristocratic"....are you aristocratic by lineage, or is this just good acting from a regular guy??
and (B) have you been to Canada much, or more specifically my home province of Ontario?
Mike- a) My mother was born with the title Princess Laura Murat, a direct descendant of Joachim Murat, King of Naples, brother-in-law to Napoleon Bonapart. Does that sound aristocratic?
b) I've spent a good deal of time in Western Canada...less in the East...some in Toronto and some in Montreal.
Best- Posted here April 12, 2005 A question from William: What are your feelings on the ending of Star Trek on TV after 18 years? Do you feel the series should end or continue, as many fans are fighting for it.
Dear William- Best- Posted here April 12, 2005 A question from Leslie: Hello, Since I am writing to you I must add that I enjoyed your work tremendously as Odo, and your other roles as well.
Dear Leslie- Thanks for your interest, Posted here April 12, 2005 A question from Max: I'm a big fan of you playing the character of security chief Odo in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, and was thrilled when I heard that you became a regular on Boston Legal. I would like to ask, what is it like to work with William Shatner? And I have heard that you do not think that there will be a Deep Space Nine movie. Why?
Dear Max- I doubt there'll be another Next Generation feature, let alone DS9.
Best- Posted here April 12, 2005 A question from Toby: I am probably a little older than most of your fans, and I have always enjoyed your work. My question is, am I mistaken, or did you play a schizophrenic on the Mod Squad back in the sixties? I hope you can get back to me on this. It has been bugging me since the first time I saw you on Benson.
Toby- Thanks for your interest, Posted here April 12, 2005 A question from Nathalie: I just listened to your welcome message. You made me laugh!
I'm a fan of the Legacy of Kain series, by the way. I like your accent as Janos. And, especially in Defiance, he looks cool too. I wonder, did you ever play one of the Legacy of Kain games yourself? Or did you see anyone else play it?
Dear Nathalie- Best- Posted here February 5, 2005 A question from Mattie: hello rene my question is how did you hold on for those seven seasons with all that make-up on you? and how did you like playing with Quark (Armin)? i loved the episodes where you two get at each others' throat. thank you for those wonderful seven sesons of DS9.
Dear Mattie- Best- Posted here February 5, 2005 A question from Andy: Dear Mr. Auberjonois, Dear Andy- I chose not to be credited for my appearance as Colonel West in StarTrek: The Undiscovered Country which is not uncommon when playing a cameo role.
Thanks for your interest. Posted here February 5, 2005 A question from Beth: Does it ever bother or, so to speak, weird you out what with all the things people write about Odo in fanfic? Just wondering...thank you in advance.
Beth- Best- Posted here November 10, 2004 A question from Katarina: Greetings René,
Without meaning to sound trite, I am a big fan and am looking diligently for the secret to shape shifting and melting into the One! Fantasy/Reality aside, I enjoyed seeing you on Boston Legal just last night. I wasn't sure it was you, as you don't appear to look like "you"...and without being too bold, may I ask if you were wearing extra makeup or?? I did however, recognize your voice and mannerisms and think you are the cat's meow! I hope you will answer me....
Dear Katarina- Thanks for your message, Posted here November 10, 2004 A question from Cynthia: Dear Mr. A.
My name is Cynthia, and in 1996 I had the wonderful experiance to spend the day on the Promenade as an extra. Everyone ( and I mean everyone) was so nice and helpful. It truly was my drean come true.
Since I am security officer in the Trek club I belong to I was thrilled to be able to see Odo's office. It was so surreal to be there. At one point, I sat in Odo's chair. Once I leaned back I found I could not move the chair unless I used my tiptoes and even then it was not easy. I'm 5 ft 8 in and don't normally have trouble moving a chair once I'm in it.
So my question is, how tall are you and did you have trouble moving around in that chair?
I would like to take this moment to say THANK YOU for the hours you put in to entertain us. It is apperciated.
Dear Cynthia- I'm glad you have such fond memories of your day on the set.
Best- Posted here November 10, 2004 A question from Laura: Hi Rene! (I don't know how to do the little accent mark on my computer, sorry!)
You probably get tons of these letters and it's so nice that you read them yourself! Sadly, I'm not much of a science fiction fan but I love theater and you're one of my inspirations. I know lots of people know you as Odo, but I know you as the amazing voice behind my favorite character in my favorite videogame series, Janos Audron from the Legacy of Kain games. I play lots and lots of games, and it's rare to find a character that comes to life as much they do in Legacy of Kain, especially yours, and hard to have a powerful presance though a handful of colored polygons. And yet the character stood out as so unique from the rest. The accent you gave him, what is it? I'm still having trouble figuring it out! Most of my friends say Romanian, but we aren't sure. It would be great if you could clear it up for us!
Dear Laura- Thanks for your kind words... Posted here November 10, 2004 A question from Chuck: Hello René,
Thanks for the contribution to the entertainment industry. You are such a gleamingly polished character actor, adding depth & dimension to all scripts you're involved with. But I put a lot of thought into pronouncing your last name, and I was crushed to find that I was waaay off! So tell me please, what is the longest French name YOU'VE ever heard, because your name is at the top of my list and, to date, the most challenging to pronounce.
And I'm still waiting for that DS9 movie! It would be true folly to pass that up!
Dear Chuck- Thanks for you kind words...and don't worry about pronouncing the name...even French people stumble over it.
Best- Posted here November 10, 2004 A question from Nathalie: Hi there
I just wanted to say hi, actually... I'm a fan of the Legacy of Kain series.
There's one thing I'm wondering about, though. I saw some behind the scenes stuff from "Soul Reaver 2" and "Defiance," and you guys always seem to be recording voices at the same time.
I've recently read an interview with Antonio Banderas about Shrek 2, and he said that all voices for the movie were recorded separately and he didn't even get to meet some of the other voice actors.
So, do you always record at the same time? It seems to be a lot of fun, though. ;-)
Nathalie- All the best- Posted here November 10, 2004 A question from Jo Anne: I recently bought a copy of your reading of Cabinet of Curiosities. I wasn't familiar with the novel or the authors, but when I saw who was reading it, I decided it would definitely be worth listening to! Your portrayal of the characters, even the minor ones, makes them three-dimensional and gives them such distinct personalities. How did you keep all the voices straight, especially in scenes where several people were conversing?
Moving Through Pregnancy was a fantastic help when I couldn't see my shoes many years ago (talk about "shape-shifting"!), and my husband and I always brought a copy to the Lamaze classes we taught in the early '80s. After flipping through it the first time, the light dawned..."Wait a minute, I think the husband is 'Dago Red'!" Untold numbers of women who have learned how to launch themselves out of a chair in third trimester owe you and Judith a debt of gratitude!
Dear Jo Anne- My wife was amused and happy to hear your comments about Moving Through Pregnancy.
All the best- Posted here November 10, 2004 A question from Elizabeth: Mr. Auberjonois,
What was the factor that prompted you to start acting? Also, did you ever think of doing improv on Whose Line is it Anyway? as a side thing?
Dear Elizabeth- The thought of doing improv on TV gives me nightmares.
Best- Posted here November 10, 2004 A question from Justin: Hi René,
I recently met Micheal Dorn at a comic book show I went to with my father. I asked him how he got his start in acting. He said he went to Paramount and auditioned for a role in Star Trek. Well, he seemed busy so I was not able to get a lot of detail. My question to you is, where should I go to audition for Star Trek?
Dear Justin- Good luck, Posted here November 10, 2004 For more questions and answers, dating from November 2003 into November 2004, check out our Q&A Archives.
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This page is maintained by Marguerite Krause (marguerite@mkrause.net) STAR TREK is a Registered Trademark of Paramount Pictures.
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